More than 100 research-intensive UK businesses, including AstraZeneca and Jaguar Land Rover, can now support international scientists and engineers to live and work in the UK through the Global Talent visa, under an expansion of the route announced by the government on Thursday 6 August.
For the first time, commercial research businesses can host researchers working on funded projects through the visa’s endorsed funder pathway, which was previously limited to universities, academic institutions and independent research institutes. The government said the pathway has already helped more than 12,500 people from over 130 countries build their research careers in Britain.
The newly approved companies range from global names, including AstraZeneca, which set out a £650 million UK investment plan in 2024, to fast-growing firms such as Added Value Solutions, Denroy Plastics and Ffilm Cymru. Each falls within the eight high-growth sectors identified in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which include advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, clean energy, life sciences and the creative industries.
Researchers whose expertise is recognised through a research grant will also be able to switch to a new firm or start their own spin-out under the route, the government said.
Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said: “By expanding the Global Talent visa to more than 100 businesses, we’re making it easier than ever for our most innovative companies to recruit eligible researchers who will develop the medicines, technologies and industries of the future right here in the UK, underpinning our industrial strategy, creating skilled jobs and driving growth in the process.”
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